The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Saskatoon Southwest, in collaboration with Multi-faith Saskatoon, hosted a multifaith event on March 29, 2026, focused on “Combating Hate: An Interfaith Response.” The gathering brought together faith, civic, and community leaders to promote peace, solidarity, and collective action against religious discrimination, highlighting the power of interfaith cooperation in building safer and more inclusive communities.
The program opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the evening. This was followed by a keynote address from Saskatoon Chief of Police Cameron McBride, who emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations in preventing discrimination and hate.
“When it comes to combating hate, we all have an equal role to play,” said Chief McBride. “That’s why bringing faith communities together to build cohesion is so critical. I am truly thrilled to have been here and to witness the partnership among individuals of diverse faiths. I look forward to seeing where we can go together in the future.”
There is no better way to fight hatred, selfishness, prejudice and fear than by living our religions together
A panel discussion followed, featuring faith leaders from diverse traditions alongside respected community representatives. Panellists shared teachings from their respective faiths on compassionate action, addressing prejudice, and building trust across differences. The discussion underscored the essential role of interfaith dialogue and collaboration in cultivating peace and social harmony within Canada’s diverse society.
The panel included:
- Audrey Ben, Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Advisor, Makwa Sahghaiehcan First Nation
- Imam Saad Hayat, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
- Rabbi Claudio Jodorkovsky, Congregation Agudas Israel
- Prathamesh Kale, President, Hindu Society of Saskatchewan
- Kevin Ledding, President, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Reverend Len Rempel, Executive Minister, Mennonite Church Saskatchewan
- Mandeep Sethi, President, Sikh Society of Saskatchewan
During the discussion, President Kevin Ledding, The Church of Jesus, highlighted the unifying power of shared faith values as a foundation for peacemaking and mutual respect.
“There is no better way to fight hatred, selfishness, prejudice and fear than by living our religions together,” he said. “As brothers and sisters of faith, we have much more in common than what separates us. Each one of us is engaged in this work because of our love for our Creator and our fellow beings. Our collective faith gives us great hope for what is ahead.”
It is about fostering love for all and hatred for none
Echoing these sentiments, Imam Saad Hayat emphasized the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at’s core message of compassion and universal love.
“By aligning our thoughts, speech and actions, we can work toward eliminating hatred and spreading a message of love,” he said. “It is about fostering love for all and hatred for none. Wherever we have the opportunity, we should strive to share that message and support one another.”
Throughout the evening, speakers consistently identified dialogue, mutual respect, and co-operation as vital tools for strengthening resilient and inclusive communities. Community leaders also stressed the urgency of standing together in response to growing intolerance and division.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to continue working collaboratively across faiths to counter discrimination, deepen relationships, and help foster a more peaceful, respectful, and inclusive future for all Canadians.
Alhamdulillah, more than 100 non-Ahmadi guests attended the event, and 15 Jama’at members also participated in the event.
